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Brisbane Airport Transfers

June 3, 2015

Travellers arriving or departing from Queensland’s Brisbane International Airport find it a most pleasurable experience, as getting to or from the airport or only inter-terminal is so easy and well organised. There are several options available for use, such as the Airtrain, Shuttle busses, taxis, coach, or car rental. All of which are very simple for travel to or from the airport, it is just a matter of personal choice and preference for your mode of transport.

Travel by Airtrain

Airtrain is such a convenience for travellers. It doe not matter whether your destination is the Gold Coast or you are going into Brisbane city or wanting to transfer between the domestic and international terminals, Airtrain will get you there safely. Starting as early as 5.45am, and continuing throughout the day until 10pm, in the evening, and every fifteen minute during the peak hour times.

Brisbane Train Airport Transfers — by PhillipC

Taking a Taxi from the airport

Arriving at the International terminal and requiring taxi service, you will find them situated on level 2 at the northern end of arrivals. When arriving at the domestic terminal, you will find the taxi rank is situated centrally in front of the terminal. Should you wish to preorder a taxi there is Black and White Cabs, or else the Yellow Cab Co. You simply advise them of where you are leaving from and where you are going to and they will immediately provide you with the information of their cost for the service.
Airport Transfers

There is a coach service door to door collection and delivery of either one way or return, Con-x-ion Airport Transfers. They operate to and from Brisbane City, the Central Business area, Brisbane Cruise terminal Portside Wharf, Hamilton, as well as offering to and from collection from the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Seven days a week they meet every flight that arrives at Brisbane Airport.

The Customer Service Counter for the International Terminal is found at Level 2, and the counter for the Domestic Terminal is at Kerbside Booth in the Plaza area. Should you want to ask queries by phone, their number is +61755569888

From Skygate – formerly Airport Village

A free Airport transfer bus is offered by Brisbane Airport to take passengers between the Domestic and the International Terminals and to Skygate, the former Airport Village. There is a wonderful range of shops and stores at Skygate for travellers to do some last minute shopping for presents or for themselves. There is a chemist, a hairdresser and a beauty salon for those people who want to look especially good on arrival at their destination. There is also a bakery, many cafes and restaurants for satisfying hunger pangs, and bars. For shopaholics there are more than one hundred and twenty factory outlets to shop at.

The approximate time taken to transfer from Skygate to the International Terminal is a mere seven minutes. From the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal is ten minutes, as well as ten minutes from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal.

The Iconic Treasury Casino

May 16, 2015

Iconic Treasury Casino Building — by denisbin

An excellent hotel for staying at when on a visit to Brisbane, Australia is the iconic Treasury Casino, located at 130 William Street, Brisbane. In 1992 the grandiose old building housing the hotel was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in order to preserve its old classic architecture. Visitors staying at the hotel have the opportunity to experience all the modern comforts that a five star hotel offers, together with the magical charm of a bygone era.

Situated in a convenient position for people who want to do some shopping, the hotel is near to the Brisbane Arcade which is one of the oldest arcades in Brisbane or they can visit the other popular shopping areas of the Queens Plaza or the Queen Street Mall. The Treasury building occupies an entire block besides William Street. It is surrounded by Queen Street, George Street, and Elizabeth Street.

In 1995 the building became the Conrad Treasury Casino, going through a transformation from a once political building refurbished to now become a hotel and a centre of entertainment. Amongst its features are two bars, five restaurants and eight function rooms. Every night there is live entertainment varying from comedy shows, individual musicians, bands, and dancing shows and every Monday at 1pm and at 7pm there is a Mah-jong tournament to which entry is free, and on Mother’s Day a traditional High Tea is served at the Marco Polo which is on level 2. The Treasury Casino is also host to the annual Groove and Grape Festival.

The Casino boasts three levels of eighty gaming tables and thirteen hundred gaming machines.

History of the Treasury Building

At the turn of the last century many celebrations and displays of patriotism were held at the Treasury Building where the Queensland Government Cabinet met. Before the Treasury Building was built, there was a double story military barracks occupying the site. Visitors to Brisbane will be interested to learn that in 1901 the then governor of Queensland read the proclamation of the federation of the Australian Commonwealth from a balcony on the William Street side of the building.

The building of The Treasury between 1886 and 1928 was done in three stages. During the first stage the frontages of the William Street as well as part of the Queen Street were erected, this took until September 1889. This new Government building became occupied by the Premier along with the Colonial Secretary, Treasury, Mines, Police, Registrar-General and Auditor-General.

The Elizabeth Street section that was stage two was then begun and completed in February 1893. The Registrar of Titles, Justice, Works, Public Instruction and the States Savings Bank all moved into this part of the building.

The last stage began in 1922 and completed in 1928, this gave extra space for the then occupants of the Treasury Building. A five story annex was added in the courtyard during 1961.

Art at Treasury Casino Brisbane — by denisbin

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

May 14, 2015

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Nothing symbolizes Australia around the world more than koalas and kangaroos, and there’s an ideal spot in Brisbane, Queensland’s sparkling, modern capital city, where those two characters steal the show.

The creatures take front and center stage at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, located just 50 miles from the Gold Coast.

Visitors can hand-feed the bounding kangaroos and have their photos taken with the cuddly koalas at Lone Pine, rated one of the “Top 10 Zoos of the World” by AOL.

The facility, established in 1927 with just two koalas named “Jack” and “Jill,” now features more than 130 koalas, and 100 species of native Australian animals. In addition to hugging a koala, visitors can hold a snake, an owl or an eagle.

Almost as varied as the types of animals are the ways you can experience them. Be sure to check out “Daily Talk Times,” a detailed breakdown of when and where you can attend animal encounters and keeper presentations to learn more about some of the animals. Examples include a Sheepdog and Sheep Shearing Show, Wild Lorikeet Feeding, the Barn Animal Encounter and a Platypus Feeding and Keeper Presentation.

VIP’s

Those looking for a more intimate encounter can book VIP Wildlife Experiences. Designed for groups of up to six guests, they offer hands-on experiences with tours to fit any budget. For example, youths will never forget becoming Junior & Teen Keeper for a Day, which allows them to spend the day with experienced wildlife education officers. Covering all areas of Lone Pine, participants learn to care for wildlife, including preparing food, cleaning enclosures, training birds of prey and, of course, cuddling koalas.

For adults seeking the ultimate tour experience, there’s the Platinum Tour, offering intimate wildlife encounters and behind-the-scenes access to everything a wildlife sanctuary keeper does in a given day. You can take photos of presentations, feeding, health checks, training and more. Get hands-on with reptiles, raptors (birds of prey), koalas and dingoes, and a Lone Pine photographer will also take pictures of you in action.

The Platinum Tour includes morning tea and lunch, and VIP treatment at shows. Costs range from $620 for one person to $399 each person for groups of six. Sundays include a $300 surcharge (not per person).

FOOD

Bring your own lunch and picnic at a spot of your choice. Many guests like to picnic along the river near the wild Lorikeet feeding area. Guests also are welcome to dine at two on-site eateries, The Sleepy Koala Café and The Riverside Café. Bringing alcohol to the preserve is not allowed, but both cafes sell beer and wine.

HOURS

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Tickets are $35 for an adult, $22 for a child age 3 to 13 (children younger than 3 are free), and $85 for a family (two adults and up to three children).

For more information, call (07) 3378 1366 or email: [email protected]

Brisbane Holiday Highlights

May 8, 2015

What You Don’t Want to Miss When in Brisbane Australia

Brisbane is the big, modern, and absolutely beautiful capital of Queensland Australia. It is the hub of activity with much to see and do for the entire family. It is a destination where you will want to plan to spend as much time as possible, so you can enjoy all that it has to offer.

Whale Watching

If Brisbane has been your choice for the family vacation, then it won’t disappoint you. You will want to kick off the holiday here with some whale watching. Moreton Bay is going to give you the best view of the Humpbacks during June to November. There are actually whale watching tours that you can participate in.

Viewing the city from the waterway

Of course you are going to want to see as much of Brisbane as possible and the best way to start this excursion is with a cruise on the Brisbane River. You will get a magnificent view of the Southbank Parklands and city skyline, along with the story bridge.

Heritage for the kids

Most parents want their kids to learn a little bit about the history of the places they are visiting. This is not always something on the top of the “want to do” list for the kids. Brisbane however, has made heritage adventures fun and exciting for the young ones.

Boondall Wetlands

Brisbane was originally named Mian-Jin, by the aboriginal people. Taking the kids down the Nurri Millen Totem Trail at the wetlands will offer the entire family some wonderful cultural sightings. You will get to see totem poles that reveal how the clans utilized the wetlands flora and sauna.

Australia Zoo

A visit to this famous zoo will mean taking an hour’s drive North of Brisbane. It is the home of the crocodile hunter so this is going to spur the kid’s interest right from the start. The animal interaction here that the kids will be able to participate in will create memories of a lifetime. For some animal fun closer to the city there is the Koala sanctuary.

For the Adventurers

For some water fun you can head off to the Riverlife Adventure Centre. You will have the chance to stand up paddle board down the Brisbane River. Or if you are into rock climbing then the Kangaroo Point Cliffs won’t disappoint you.

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb

You are not going to want to return home from Brisbane and not be able to tell your friends about the thrill of the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. This is a must do adventure that you can participate in during one of the three scheduled climbs each day.

A Brisbane Shopping Experience

Even the kids won’t mind a day of shopping while in Brisbane. The Queen Street Mall will probably be the starting point for this. Brisbane is bursting with many fine shopping arcades and local boutiques.

Hot Air Balloon ride

No Brisbane holiday highlight list would be complete without mentioning our very own hot air balloon ride! There’s no better way to ensure you’re making the most of a day than by starting with a dawn experience, and flying early in the morning with Balloons Over Brisbane. We’ll even pick you up and drop you back to your accommodation if you want to book this option! Complete with a full breakfast including champagne, flying over some of the most scenic landscape in the region, you’ll have made a perfect start to your day.

Everyone that visits Brisbane Australia always develops their own list of favourite things to see and do. There is one thing for certain and that is there is no shortage of fun and adventure in this amazing city.